christen — c.1200, from O.E. cristnian to baptize, lit. to make Christian, from W.Gmc., from Church L. christianus (see CHRISTIAN (Cf. Christian)). General meaning of to name is attested from mid 15c. Related: Christened; christening … Etymology dictionary

christen — ► VERB 1) name (a baby) at baptism as a sign of admission to a Christian Church. 2) informal use for the first time. DERIVATIVES christening noun. ORIGIN Old English «make Christian», from Latin Christus Christ … English terms dictionary

christen — [kris′ən] vt. [ME cristnen &LT; OE cristnian: see CHRISTIAN] 1. to take into a Christian church by baptism; baptize 2. to give a name to at baptism 3. to give a name to (a ship being launched, etc.) 4. Informal to make use of for the first time … English World dictionary